Ange Postecoglou says it was his side's determination to stick to their principles that was key to the hard-fought 2-1 win over Crystal Palace that sent Tottenham Hotspur five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Arsenal
ARS
|
35 | +57 | 80 |
| 2 |
Man City
MCI
|
34 | +50 | 79 |
| 3 |
Liverpool
LIV
|
35 | +41 | 75 |
| 4 |
Aston Villa
AVL
|
35 | +21 | 67 |
“In games like this, it’s persistence that will get you the result, and we had to be persistent in terms of making runs where you don’t get the ball, but waiting for the opportunity where we did," Postecoglou told the club’s official website.
See: Son sends Spurs five points clear at the top
"Pape [Matar Sarr] got into that area, and it was a great set up for the first goal.
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“We then scored a similar second goal. Again, great focus to stick to our principles and get the job done. The second goal felt like a really nice goal, something we’ve worked on. Credit to the lads.
"That was during our most dominant period and our football was excellent. Palace had to open up and put some pressure on us and we handled it well. This was a real challenge for us and I liked the way we went about it.”
Postecoglou also praised his side's defensive work, despite losing their clean sheet in stoppage time to Jordan Ayew's strike.
“I’m really pleased... It was never going to be an easy game tonight, coming here, they’re a really disciplined team, well organised defensively, it was never going to be an open game where we create a lot of chances,” Postecoglou added.
“I thought the lads handled it really well, stayed focussed, played our football, waited for our opportunities, took them when they came, and our defensive work was outstanding as well."
Enjoying the journey
Postecoglou also said that he wants his players to relish the position they are in after the Australian became the first ever Premier League manager to take 26 points from 30, the most of any head coach in their first 10 matches in charge.
"I enjoy every game. I want the players to enjoy the game. Not because we're top of the table but because we’re living the dream, playing for a fantastic football club," Postecoglou said.
"The rest of it is about honouring that responsibility which has been bestowed upon us."
"The dreams last as long as they do, until somebody wakes you up.
"I don’t sense any of my squad are floating about the place. I don’t think you’d see me any different [whether we are top or not]."